EarTrumpet for Windows 10/11 — Volume Control by Application (Free Download)

EarTrumpet is a lightweight and convenient volume control for applications for Windows 10 and 11. In one click, you can see the volume of each running application, quickly switch the output device and set up hotkeys – without going to Windows “Settings”.

Quick facts

What is it and who can benefit from it

EarTrumpet replaces the standard volume icon on the Windows taskbar with an advanced mixer: shows all active applications, allows you to assign volume levels to them and quickly change the default output device. Especially useful for gamers, streamers, content creators, and those who frequently switch between speakers, headphones, and headsets, the app fits natively into the Windows interface and has received good reviews from tech media.

Key Features

• Separate volume for each application (per-application mixer).
• Quickly select the default output device directly from the tray.
• Move individual applications between output devices.
• Hot keys (configurable in EarTrumpet settings).
• Light/dark theme, modern context menus.
• Multilingual interface with a growing number of translations.

Confirmed by the project documentation on GitHub (Features, Internationalization).

How to download and install

1. Microsoft Store — open the EarTrumpet page in the Store and click Get / «Get».
2. Via winget (Windows 10/11): winget install --id=File-New-Project.EarTrumpet -e.
3. Chocolatey (if using): choco install eartrumpet.
4. Dev channel for testing new features (optional): installer on install.eartrumpet.app.

Safe installation: install from the Store or via official package managers (winget/Chocolatey). Do not use third-party “builds” from unverified sources.

First launch and basic settings

1. After installation, the EarTrumpet icon will appear in the notification area. LMB – opens a compact mixer with a list of active applications; RMB — devices and settings menu.
2. Hotkeys: open Settings → set combinations for opening the mixer, changing the output device, etc.
3. Hide the standard Windows volume icon so that it is not duplicated: “Taskbar options” → “Turn system icons on or off” → turn off “Volume”.

Practical scenarios

• Stream/call + music: reduce Spotify/YouTube to 20–30%, leaving 100% for voice chat — the music does not “clogg down” the interlocutors.
• Games at night: transfer the game from the speakers to the headphones in two clicks, leaving the system sounds on speakers.
• Working with multiple devices: quickly switch between monitor speakers and a Bluetooth headset from the tray.
• Recording/editing: send the browser to a separate USB DAC, and the editing software to the interface with monitors.

Tips and advanced features

• Assign a hotkey to “Open Mixer” for instant access to the sliders.
• Keep the list of devices you need only – disable unused ones in Windows Sound to keep the switching list shorter. /li>
• If you only want to quickly switch devices with a hotkey, check out the SoundSwitch alternative (below).

Limitations and nuances

• EarTrumpet controls the output sound level and output devices; microphone levels (input) — outside its scope (this is expected).
• Windows 11 features: the system already has a built-in per-application mixer, but EarTrumpet provides faster access and convenient switching of devices from the tray.
• Installation from the Store may require the correct operation of the Microsoft Store/Windows Update services; if problems occur, use winget/Chocolatey.
• There is no official “portable” mode (distribution — Store/MSIX).

Alternatives and when to choose them

• Built-in “Volume Mixer” of Windows 11/10: is suitable if you only occasionally change application levels. Minus — more clicks and no convenient tray.
• SoundSwitch: open source, instant switching of output/input devices by hot keys. Ideal if the main task is to “steer” between devices.

System requirements and privacy

• Requirements: Windows 10 version 1803 or later, or Windows 11. Access to the Microsoft Store for automatic updates is recommended.
• Privacy: the project is open; historically, developers have used the crash/telemetry collection service to improve stability (Bugsnag). Check the project repository/policy for up-to-date details.

Total: EarTrumpet makes controlling Windows sound fast and intuitive. If you frequently switch between devices or like precise control over application volume, this is a must-have in your startup.

FAQ

Can I set my own hotkeys?
Yes. Open Settings in EarTrumpet and assign shortcuts to open the mixer and other actions.

Does EarTrumpet control the microphone?
No, the application is focused on output sound/playback devices. Use Windows tools or alternatives to sign in.

How do I remove the duplication of two volume icons?
Hide the system icon: “Taskbar settings” → “Turn system icons on or off” → “Volume” = off.

Where is the best place to download?
Microsoft Store or official packages (winget/Chocolatey) are recommended. Dev channel — for testing only.

Read more on fialtop.net:
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MiTeC InfoBar — mini-panel of system information,
SideSlide — launcher and desktop assistant

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